On the occasion of the 76th Territorial Army (TA) Day, General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), awarded the prestigious Chief of the Army Staff Silver Trophy to 116 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) PARA, recognising it as the Best Infantry Battalion of the Territorial Army. The award highlights the battalion’s exceptional operational performance, discipline, and contribution to national security in both peace and active operational roles.
The Territorial Army, often referred to as the “Citizen’s Army”, plays a vital role in supplementing the regular Army by providing support during natural calamities, internal security duties, and various operational tasks. The recognition of 116 Infantry Battalion (TA) PARA underscores the remarkable standards of training, readiness, and commitment maintained by the unit’s officers and soldiers.
Terrier Cyber Quest: Fostering Cyber Excellence
During the event, General Dwivedi also felicitated the winners of the ‘Terrier Cyber Quest’, a national-level Cyber Challenge that drew widespread participation from across India. The competition saw over 6,300 teams and 10,000 individuals from diverse sectors, including academic institutions, industry, and the Defence Forces.
The challenge featured two main segments ‘Bug Hunt’ and ‘Datathon’ designed to identify and promote young talent in cybersecurity and data analytics. After several stages of rigorous screening, 27 teams qualified for the 36-hour Grand Finale, which was conducted from 06–08 October 2025. The finalists showcased innovative solutions addressing real-world cyber threats, data protection, and AI-driven security models.
Strengthening India’s Cyber Preparedness
The Terrier Cyber Quest reflects the Indian Army’s growing emphasis on cyber capability development and technological innovation. By engaging with students, professionals, and defence personnel alike, the initiative aims to cultivate a strong national cybersecurity culture, enhance awareness, and integrate cutting-edge technologies into defence applications.
Celebrating 76 Years of Citizen Soldiers
The 76th Territorial Army Day celebrated the legacy of India’s citizen soldiers who combine their civilian professions with military duties. Their contribution to nation-building from disaster relief and pandemic support to frontline operations exemplifies the spirit of service and patriotism.
Through recognitions like the COAS Silver Trophy and initiatives such as Terrier Cyber Quest, the Indian Army continues to honour excellence, innovation, and commitment ensuring that both tradition and technology remain integral to the defence of the nation.
